How to Prepare your Property for Professional Photos, Virtual Tour and/or Video Tour
Updated: Mar 9, 2021
Property photography has literally saved me during the pandemic. In all this time, I've learnt a few tips to make things easier for photographers and landlords alike, and to get the best possible results, so the property has a higher chance of being rented or sold as soon as possible.
Set the scene inside
Moving furniture around may help to make a room look more spacious.
Make sure your home is well lit, and replace any light bulbs that have gone out, even bedside, table and standing lamps.
Windows should be closed, but blinds or curtains should be wide open before the photographer arrives. This is to ensure maximum light and visibility of the views.
Fresh flowers help to breathe life into a property.
Make sure everything is clean and tidy.
Clean the windows.
Remove or hide any personal photos on display.
Remove or hide unnecessary cables, such as extension leads, phone chargers, etc.
The outside (Garden, Balcony, Terrace, Patio or front)
If possible, move any vehicles parked on the front of the property. A good advice is to park your car in front beforehand to save the space, and remove it when the photographer is ready to take the photos of the facade.
Remove any clutter such as bins and hoses, mower, toys, garden tools, cloth rack, etc.
Mow the lawn, trim the trees.
Clean the windows.
The entrance
Put your shoes, umbrellas, coats, etc in a closed cabinet or cupboard.
Reception rooms, Living rooms, Dining rooms
Remove scruffy throws from sofas. Nice looking throws are fine.
Arrange cushions to look smart and tidy.
Set dining room tables.
Remove rugs, especially where you have wooden or tiled floors.
Any children’s toys or piles of magazines, DVDs, remotes, etc should be out of sight.
Clean up the tables.
Switch TV, computer and laptop screens off.
Bedrooms
Make the beds and choose bed clothes that compliment the room.
Store your clothes in your wardrobes.
Clean and tidy up the top of desks and chests of drawers.
Anything stored under the bed should be completely out of sight.
All drawers and wardrobe doors should be shut.
Kitchen
Clear all work tops and tables and make sure there are no tea towels or chopping boards on show.
Move bins out of sight.
Clear away appliances.
Close all cupboards.
Hide all fridge magnets.
Clear the sink, don’t leave dishes in the sink.
If you have pets, hide their food bowls and beds.
A full, fresh fruit bowl can add a flash of colour.
Bathroom
Keep the toilet lid down.
Remove clutter like shower gels, hand soap, toothbrushes, etc.
Remove toilet paper from its holder.
Any towels should be neatly arranged and folded, and chosen to compliment the room.
I certainly hope these tips were useful. In summary, a tidy, clean property will make for amazing photos that will help you get it off your hands much faster!
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